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An arugula smoothie might sound like it would taste overly peppery, but the fruit does the heavy lifting here. Pineapple, frozen grapes, banana, and green apple balance the arugula, while spinach adds extra greens without overpowering the flavor.
This refreshing green smoothie comes together in about 5 minutes and has a light, creamy texture from frozen fruit instead of ice. Add your favorite protein powder for a more filling breakfast, or enjoy it as an afternoon snack or post-workout smoothie.
Here’s Why This Arugula Smoothie Works
The arugula doesn’t overpower the smoothie: Arugula adds a fresh, peppery flavor, but the fruit keeps it from tasting too sharp or bitter.
Pineapple balances the greens: Sweet, tangy pineapple is the key to this smoothie. It softens the peppery bite of the arugula and keeps the flavor bright and refreshing.
Frozen fruit creates a creamy texture: Frozen pineapple, grapes, and banana make the smoothie thick and creamy without watering it down with ice.
Spinach keeps the flavor mild: Spinach adds extra greens and a vibrant color while letting the pineapple and arugula remain the stars of the smoothie.
Protein powder makes it more filling: Add your favorite protein powder for a smoothie that’s satisfying enough for breakfast or a post-workout snack.
Ingredient Notes
Arugula: Baby arugula is my first choice because it has a milder, peppery flavor and blends more smoothly than mature leaves.
Spinach: Fresh spinach adds extra greens and vibrant color without competing with the flavor of the fruit or arugula.
Frozen pineapple: Pineapple is the key to balancing the arugula. Its sweet, tangy flavor keeps the smoothie tasting bright and refreshing.
Frozen grapes and banana: Frozen grapes add natural sweetness, while the banana makes the smoothie thick and creamy. Using frozen fruit keeps it cold without watering it down with ice.
Green apple: A green apple adds a crisp, slightly tart flavor that pairs well with the pineapple and arugula.
Protein powder: Use your favorite protein powder. Vanilla or unflavored varieties work especially well because they let the fruit flavors shine.
Recipe Tips
Blend the greens first: Start with the water, arugula, and spinach so the greens blend completely before adding the frozen fruit.
Use frozen fruit: Frozen pineapple, grapes, and banana make the smoothie thick, creamy, and cold without needing ice.
Adjust the consistency: If the smoothie is thicker than you like, blend in a splash of cold water until it reaches your preferred consistency.
Taste before adding more arugula: Arugula can vary in strength, so blend the smoothie first before deciding if you want to add more.
Choose a mild protein powder: Vanilla or unflavored protein powder works best. Strongly flavored powders can overpower the fruit and greens.
If you have extra arugula to use up, try my Arugula Apple Salad for another fresh way to enjoy it.
How to Keep an Arugula Smoothie From Tasting Bitter
Arugula has a bolder flavor than spinach, so it needs the right fruit to keep it in balance. Pineapple is the key ingredient in this smoothie because its sweetness and bright acidity mellow the peppery greens without masking their fresh flavor.
If your arugula tastes especially sharp, use a little less or add a few extra frozen grapes or pineapple. Baby arugula is usually milder than mature leaves, and combining it with spinach creates a smoother, more balanced green smoothie.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Arugula works in smoothies, but it has a peppery flavor, so it is best blended with sweet, bright fruit like pineapple, grapes, banana, or apple.
It can if you use too much arugula or not enough fruit. This recipe balances arugula with pineapple, frozen grapes, banana, apple, and spinach so the smoothie tastes fresh instead of bitter.
Yes, but the flavor will be milder. If you replace all of the arugula with spinach, the smoothie will taste more like a classic pineapple spinach smoothie.
Pineapple Arugula Smoothie
This pineapple arugula smoothie is a simple way to add more leafy greens to your day without ending up with a drink that tastes like salad. The fruit keeps the flavor bright and refreshing, while the arugula adds just enough bite to make it interesting.
Looking for more smoothie recipes? My Strawberry Protein Smoothie is packed with protein, and my Berry Banana Smoothie is another quick, fruit-filled favorite.
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Pineapple Arugula Smoothie
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Ingredients
- 2 cups water, or fruit juice
- 1 cup arugula
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- 1 cup frozen pineapple chunks
- 1 cup green grapes, frozen
- ½ green apple
- ½ banana, frozen
- 1 scoop protein powder
Instructions
- Place water, arugula, and spinach into a blender and process until smooth.
- Stop the blender and add the rest of the ingredients. Process on low while increasing the speed gradually to high. Blend for 30 seconds. Add additional water if thicker than desired.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Like this recipe? Rate & comment below!
I have to admit that it took me a long time to be able to drink a bright green smoothie. I don’t know what it was about the color but I was fine if I closed my eyes. I’m okay with it now but it took a month or so.
This does sound good!
How funny, Maureen, that is exactly why I had balked for forever. Maybe it is the ‘kid’ in us as it is a known fact that kids do not like green food. 🙂